Help/FAQ

General

How do I decide which type of fence to purchase?

When trying to decide which type of fence to purchase, it is important to first determine the purpose of the fence. Fences can have various types of uses, some of which include:

Containing children and/or pets

Keeping unwanted visitors and animals out

Adding privacy to your yard

Enclosing a swimming pool

Protecting a garden

No matter what the function is of your fence, you can choose from many different materials and styles such as privacy fences, driveway gates, deer fences, and a variety of additional options. Our website offers a sample of the many options that are available. Our professional experts can be reached via phone and email, and can help you in choosing the best fence for your property.

What is the best swimming pool fence?

Because of the codes and laws requiring fencing around swimming pools, every pool owner will be faced with choosing an effective and appropriate swimming pool fence. Although many fences may work around a swimming pool, the top industry and customer choice is maintenance-free aluminum fence.

Designed for beauty, style, and strength, maintenance-free aluminum fencing has picket and rail spacing and self-closing gates, making your pool much safer than other fencing types. The maintenance free aspect of the fencing ensures that is won’t rust like other materials, making it ideal for surrounding a pool or other water filled area. In addition, aluminum fencing can be used in residential, commercial, and industrial settings

What are the benefits of Riverside Fence Company professionally installing my fence?

After being in the business for over 19 years, we are not only skilled at creating fences that add beauty, value, and protection to your property, but we also do our best to guide you through the process for complete satisfaction.

At Riverside Fence Company, our team is made up of employees rather than subcontractors, and they are the hardest working people you may ever meet. We install top-grade materials from the best manufacturers in our industry, and building a long-lasting fence that you will enjoy for years to come is our top priority.

Our experienced trained sales staff is happy to help you choose the right fence for your project, and coordinate the job for a timely installation. If a concern arises along the way, our staff is there to help guide you through to a solution. Our projects start with service and end with service, ensuring your complete satisfaction with the project.

What types of warranties and guarantees are available?

Warranties on materials vary, and this is an important consideration when determining the type of fence you would like to purchase. Depending on materials, terms can range from no warranty on products such as wood fencing, to lifetime warranties on maintenance-free products, such as on aluminum and vinyl fences.

The lumber we use for our wood products is of top grade cedar materials. However, lumber is a product of nature and therefore, we cannot be responsible for the natural seasoning of the wood, which may include some warping, cracking, and shrinkage. This is a natural part of the lumber’s drying process.

Many factors affect the life of a fence, such as local climate, soil conditions, proper installation, wear and tear, and proper maintenance. Warranties and guarantees are only as good as the company giving them. We have been keeping our word, backing our products, and honoring our guarantees since 1992!

Can I get a price estimate over the phone?

We don’t recommend getting price estimates over the phone. Most companies that give price estimates over the phone significantly under-price their quote in hopes of hooking you into their company. The amount required usually goes up once you commit to the project, and if the fence is partially constructed, you are left with little alternative except to pay the higher revised price.

At Riverside Fence, our prices are commitments, not quotes. Unless you change the size and/or scope of work to be performed, the price given to you is good for 60 days and will not change. Give us a call and we can further discuss our policy and methods and for providing price estimates.

How do I get a free price quote?

We believe that it is best for a sales representative to visit your home to give a free price quote. We don’t recommend getting price estimates over the phone because there are too many unsure variables for an accurate quote.

If you would like to set up an appointment with a sales representative from Riverside Fence, please give our office a call at 203-210-7447. In addition, you can also fill out our online form to schedule a price quote.

Do you sell material to the general public?

At Riverside Fence we do sell fencing materials to the public. We retail materials for every type of fence we install such as PVC Vinyl, wrought iron, aluminum, and various others.

If you’re interested in purchasing fencing materials, feel free to give us a call at 203-210-7447. All of our products are high quality and dependable, so we know you’ll be satisfied with your purchases.

Fence Materials

What are the advantages of maintenance-free fences over conventional fences?

Maintenance free aluminum fences and P.V.C. Vinyl fences have more benefits than simply being maintenance-free. Some of these benefits include:

Ability to outlast and out perform most types of fencing

No painting or staining required

Highly weather resistant (will not chip, fade or rot)

Time and money savings on maintenance and repair

Environmentally friendly

Enhancement of you property value

Years after being installed, aluminum and vinyl fences still look as great as when they were originally installed, proving an extra advantage for investing in these maintenance-free fences.

How does the price of vinyl compare to that of wood?

The price of vinyl compares favorably with wood. Through the years, the cost to maintain a wood fence can add up and become costly. Between fixing chips, breakage, fading, and touch ups, the fees tend to outweigh the initial investment on a vinyl fence.

Because vinyl fencing is virtually maintenance-free, you won’t spend time and money painting, staining, or fixing a vinyl fence. If you’re planning on keeping your fence for many years, spending a little more money on vinyl fencing at the beginning will save money in the long term.

What kind of care and maintenance does vinyl require?

Vinyl is virtually maintenance-free. There’s no need to scrape, paint, or stain a vinyl fence. Pressure washing with a mild detergent and water should keep your vinyl fence looking new, and a non-abrasive cleanser and a soft-bristled brush can be used on stubborn stains.

Many people wonder if their vinyl fencing will yellow over time, and we do our best to ensure that this doesn’t happen. Our vinyl components use a high content of titanium dioxide and ultraviolet inhibitors, which have been proven to prevent yellowing.

Because vinyl fencing is very low-maintenance, investing in this type of material will save time and money in the future. If you’re planning on keeping your fence for many years, spending a little more money on vinyl fencing at the beginning will save money in the long term.

Is cedar the most durable wood product for fences?

Cedar is the long-standing traditional material for all types of fences. The strength and natural aesthetic look of wood in rural settings are among the benefits of the product. Since wood is a natural product, it also blends well without disrupting the look of its surroundings.

Cedar is naturally resistant to rotting and decay, and therefore requires no chemical treatment. Only cedar wood has the distinct aging quality of weathering over time to a desirable silver gray color. Other woods such as pressure treated and spruce tend to blacken and look rotted as they age. Riverside Fence only uses #1 grade cedar wood for all fence installations.

Is aluminum fence expensive?

Many people are under the impression that aluminum fencing is not affordable due to its beauty and “curb appeal”. However, when weighing the benefits of this product versus other fencing materials, you may find that aluminum fencing is actually quite reasonably priced.

When using aluminum fencing, there is no painting, staining, warping, or maintenance necessary, saving time and money in the future. Additionally, an aluminum fence instantly increases the value of your property for an added benefit if you ever plan on selling your home.

Is aluminum fencing sturdy?

Aluminum fencing is very sturdy, but it is important to match the correct grade and height of the fence with each fencing application. For instance, the residential grade is suitable for perimeter fence situations such as containment of children and pets, or residential pool settings.

Industrial and commercial grade aluminum fencing has different applications than a residential grade fence. We highly recommend the commercial and industrial grade be used for settings which entail security situations, so if the main purpose of the fence is safety and keeping out unwanted visitors, this is the type of fencing is ideal.

What is the best material for deer fencing?

When deciding on the best material for deer fencing you will most likely have the option of chain link, farm fence, or Steel WebSM. For overall aesthetics, strength, durability, ease of installation and value, a deer fence made of Steel WebSM is high above the others. Our deer fence provides a virtually invisible barrier with a very strong and impact-resistant steel mesh. Our deer fencing material will not rust and lasts for years, proving to be a wise investment.

Deer fences can be installed with posts, or attached to existing trees. The material is transparent in wooded areas and does not detract from landscapes. Our deer fencing has proven successful in protecting backyard gardens and plants, as well as multi-acre farms. In addition, deer fencing brings the added benefit of decreasing the risk of tick-borne Lyme disease by keeping deer out of your property.

Installation

What is scheduling like?

Our goal is to have your fence installed in 2 – 4 weeks for stocked items and 4 – 6 weeks on special orders. Our waiting list for installations will vary throughout the year. Of course, the summer months are the busiest therefore the wait could be a bit longer, and factors such as weather can set back our schedule.

To make scheduling as fair as possible for all our customers, we schedule jobs on a first-come first-served basis. We want our customers to be happy with the fence they receive, and as a result we refuse to rush through any job.

We survive on word of mouth advertising, and therefore our customers’ happiness is of the utmost importance. The more notice you give, the easier it is for us to accommodate your plans. The best time of year to purchase a fence or deck with little wait is in the winter months. Because we have the equipment that allows us to work year-round, the wait will be shorter for the customer. No matter when you schedule your fence installation, you can rest assured that we will do our best to complete your job on a timely basis.

Can I have an exact installation date?

We do the best we can to accommodate all of our customers. However, it is nearly impossible for us to give an exact installation date because of the many factors behind the scenes of your individual installation. First instance, if it’s raining we cannot run a lot of our equipment due to electrical cords and other equipment, and if we are in a drought the ground is extremely hard, which causes the digging of the holes to be much slower.

Typically we have an idea of an exact date a week ahead of your installation, and as your date gets closer our office will call to reconfirm and make sure the date still works for you. If you foresee any conflicts, it is best to let us know as soon as possible so we can reschedule a date around your availability.

Is it necessary for me to be home during the construction of my fence?

It would be helpful but not necessary for you to be home when we arrive on the first day of installation in order to review the placement of your new fence. We are insured and will treat your property with respect.

If you are not going to be home, it is best to keep in mind that we will need access to water, and outside electrical outlets, which shouldn’t require the homeowner to be present as long as we are instructed to these areas. If you have pets, please make arrangements to keep them either indoors or on a leash during construction.

How long will it take to build my fence?

At Riverside Fence, we do our best to ensure that all projects are completed in a timely manner. Many people want to know how long it will take to build their fence, and it is important to realize that each job is different.

Looking at a few variables in your project, we can try to predict a general time frame. A normal residential job typically takes anywhere from 2-4 days to complete. However, depending on the job size and terrain the installations can range into longer periods of time.

What do I need to know about local zoning and fence codes?

Building codes for fences and pools vary by state, county, city, and even homeowner’s association. Codes may determine placement, height, materials, etc., so you should contact your applicable county zoning department to determine your exact requirements.

At Riverside Fence, we will do our best to work with the codes in your area while still producing quality fence that meets your expectations. By letting us know the requirements at the beginning of the project, we can start right away with tailoring your fence to the way you would like it.

Do I need a permit for my fence project?

All city and township ordinances vary when it comes to obtaining permits for fencing projects. It is advisable to contact your local building department to find out the fence requirements to avoid any problems.

Before contacting your local building department, there are a few things you will need to know about the fencing project to help determine if a permit is necessary. The fence height, material, and whether it will be built in a residential or commercial area will all factor into the process.

Do I need a survey?

Surveys define exactly where your property line is, and eliminate any guesswork from the layout of your fence project. We do not locate property lines, so if you are uncertain about where your property ends, it is probably best to get a survey to avoid future problems.

Although a fence can be installed without knowing the exact placement of the lines, surrounding homeowners may eventually require you to move your fence if it imposes on their property. Investing in a survey will pay off in the future to avoid these possibly very expensive situations.

Will you clear the fence lines of brush and other obstructions?

When we create a proposal for your fencing job, the pricing does not reflect the clearing of fence lines. Any bushes, trees and other obstructions in the fence line are the responsibility of the customer to clear.

At Riverside Fence, our main concern is installing a quality fence in a timely manner, and objects in the way will only disturb the process. Having everything cleared before we arrive will ensure the best work in the shortest time.

Do you remove my old fence?

Removing an old fence is an option that we offer at Riverside Fence. From picket fences to privacy fences, we will remove and dispose of your old fencing and posts for an additional charge.

If you would like to schedule a time for our skilled team to remove an old fence, feel free to give us a call. Our professionals will get the job done quickly and efficiently so you can begin your new fencing project.

Does Riverside Fence use concrete when setting posts?

Yes. All of our fences are set in concrete but only around the sides of the post not underneath where water can gather. The hole is dug two and a half feet deep (this is below the freeze line) and “belled” out at the bottom, and the top will be back-filled with dirt. The dirt will prevent the concrete from freezing, and the “bell” will prevent the post from being heaved out of the ground.

Proper installation of posts is critical to a fence installation. If concrete is not used or if it is used incorrectly the fence will never hold up. We do not use concrete on our split rail. Split rail fences are open so that there is little risk of it being blown over or other similar problems. Overall you can rest assured that we will take the proper precautions to ensure the proper durability and longevity of your fence.

What happens if one of your crew members gets injured on my property during the construction of the fence?

When working on a fencing project we realize the possibility of injuries on the job and have taken proper precautions to avoid problems for our valued customers. Riverside Fence is fully insured for both liability and workers’ compensation.

When choosing a fencing company, it is important to find out if they are properly insured to avoid costly circumstances that may arise.

Why does my fence have gaps at the bottom?

Our installers are trained to leave the top of the fence as straight as possible unless otherwise instructed. If the terrain on which the fence is installed is not perfectly level, this may cause some areas at the bottom to have a gap.

In order to avoid gaps at the bottom of your fence, it is best to level out the ground where the fence is being installed. An even terrain will help avoid any problems you may encounter in the future and ensure the best results with your fence installation.

PAYMENT OPTIONS

What methods of payment do you accept?

The types of payments that we accept include Amex, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and cash. If you have any payment questions, feel free to contact us at 203-210-7447.

At Riverside Fence we produce and install high quality fencing projects while doing our best to fit into our client’s desired budget. For over 20 years we have been committed to our customers, always ensuring complete satisfaction with every project.